‘A more exhilarating or magnificent scene could not be witnessed’

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

On Friday evening, September 15 1843, Daniel O’Connell, with a small group of close friends, including his son Daniel and Dr John Grey, proprietor of the Freeman’s Journal, arrived in Galway. The excitement was intense. O’Connell, at 68 years of age, was at the height of his powers. Fourteen years previously he had succeeded in removing the oaths that had prevented Catholics from becoming members of parliament. He took his seat as MP for Clare, the first Irish Catholic to do so. His charismatic personality, brilliant oratory, and powerful intellect, had won him an enormous following, not only throughout Ireland but in Europe as well. His achievement earned him the title of The Liberator, which had all the resonance of an ancient and powerful king who had raised the sword of freedom.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Main À Main Syrah Sud de France Pay d’OC IGP 2011 (Market 57, €10)

Dunnes French wine sale

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Dunnes Stores begins its French wine sale next Wednesday (September 5) running until September 25. With numerous reductions and a noticeable movement into wines from Saint-Émilion, those that catch the eye include Arthur Metz Riesling 2010 (€8), Domaine des Grosses Pierres Sancerre 2011 (€10), La Grand Bouffe Chardonnay 2011 (€7), Château de l'Estagnol Côtes du Rhone 2011 (€7), and Les Saules Vacqueyras 2011 (€10).

Pocket friendly dining in the city centre

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing and, with September being a time to welcome the students back, I found myself revisiting the places we used to go when we were the young kids on the block. Students are always notoriously hard up, so here are three of the longest serving and best value eateries in the city, as good today as the day they opened. Certainly you could make some extra money to afford a meal in one of the fancier restaurants, maybe by working part-time or starting your own religion online and asking for donations to build your place of worship. Otherwise just go to one of these places when you realise that plain pasta does not constitute a complete meal. For all of you new to Galway, start off in any one of these and you will not go wrong.

Great response to new sliding wardrobe range at Top Drawer Max

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Top Drawer Max has had a massive response to the launch of its range of Komandor sliding and walk-in wardrobes.

Age old craftsmanship and timeless design at Kreations Kitchens and Bedrooms

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Kreations Kitchens and Bedrooms was established by Peter Murphy and Tom Callanan, who have 40 years of combined experience in the design, manufacture, and installation of bespoke kitchens and bedrooms.

Say goodbye to acne with Therapie

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Acne is an extremely common skin disorder and in addition to the physical discomfort that it causes, it also causes an incredible level of self-consciousness, stress, and upset and can even impact a person mentally and emotionally.

Is your job giving you a pain in the neck?

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Solace Acupuncture Clinic treats many patients with chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back area. This pain is often due to working long hours on computers.

Lose weight with the Orsmond Clinics

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Dr Eva Orsmond is probably best known for her role as RTE’s hugely popular Operation Transformation diet and nutrition expert. Her battle to re-educate people on health and fitness is changing hundreds of people’s lives every day.

The colour purple

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

I was at a wedding recently where the colour purple was a dominant shade of hat, dress, shoes, etc. Now I have never really been that much of a fan, but given that come autumn/winter, we are going to see 50 shades of it everywhere, I thought I would give it a chance. It needs to prove itself to me. It is definitely not the easiest colour to wear, I find it quite draining on my pale skin tone, but worn in splashes here and there can make it a very elegant hue indeed. The trick to wearing strong colours like purple is to break it up across your outfit. The colour should complement your look and not overwhelm you. To help you with planning your purple adventure, here are some of my top tips.

Back to college at Born Clothing

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

It is time to prep your ever expanding wardrobe for the crisp weather this autumn. First on my list of must haves for A/W 2012 are those scrumptious slightly sheer knits that are so versatile and easy to wear. The sheer knit is perfect for layering — team with an oversized tank and funky printed scarf (available at Born Clothing for only €16.95), perfect for that laid back college look. Why wear one amazing piece when you can mix it up, contrast colour and texture for that quirky edge?

The real deal this weekend at Matt O’Flaherty chemists

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

If you want to pamper yourself this week, book a makeover at any Matt O’Flaherty chemist.

Galway salon acknowledged as first class for hair colour expertise

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

Lisa McGrath accredited with master colour programme

The school run

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

There is so much going on this time of the year, between the end of the holidays and organising the children for the back to school rush. Choosing what to wear for the daily run to school can often become a chore, but with a few key pieces you can look chic when taking your children to school.

Saving face

Thu, Aug 30, 2012

How do you face the passing years? With dread? Or are you deeply philosophical about the whole thing and realise each year or indeed decade brings something extra to your life, a new awareness of yourself, of your sense of style and attitude to life?

If you want to greet age gracefully it may be best to avoid trying to look younger than you are or aping current fashion trends.

Aniar Restaurant is named best in Connacht

Thu, Aug 23, 2012

Aniar has been named Best Restaurant in Connacht at the Food & Wine Louis Latour 2012 Awards. The restaurant, located in Dominick Street, Galway, scooped the award at a ceremony held in Dublin’s Convention Centre which was attended by the stars of Ireland’s culinary world.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Aug 23, 2012

Main À Main Syrah Sud de France Pay d’OC IGP 2011 (Market 57, €10)

The kitchen

Thu, Aug 23, 2012

There are some places you go to for the best coffee, some for the best dessert, and some to have just one particular dish over and over again, but you go to The Kitchen to be surprised. Head chef and proprietor Michelle Kavanagh’s extensive travels bring an eclectic mix of flavours to the table — Asian, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, this is fusion at its finest.

Starting life as a cafe, The Kitchen at the Galway Museum opened its doors over a year ago. It is a friendly cafe, quirky, homey, and comfortable with a mixture of seating and lounging areas, pulled together by an enormous pretty, patterned, rug. The space is airy with high ceilings and some lovely natural light from the glass wall. The outside seating area is very popular when the sun shines, offering a gorgeous view of Nimmo’s and the river by the landmark Spanish Arch. Lunch here has a growing regular clientele for its selection of healthy salad plates, imaginative and great value food. There is good coffee and freshly squeezed juices to order. All breads and bakes are displayed on the counter among a colourful array of bric-a-brac and cookbooks, perfect for a quiet afternoon coffee and cake treat. The weekend brunch is also gaining a following — bacon and eggs, stacks of thick syrupy pancakes with Colleran’s bacon, or the near legendary (in our house anyway) chorizo hash. It is popular as well with Galwegian parents, with ample room to park a buggy.

The kitchen

Thu, Aug 23, 2012

There are some places you go to for the best coffee, some for the best dessert, and some to have just one particular dish over and over again, but you go to The Kitchen to be surprised. Head chef and proprietor Michelle Kavanagh’s extensive travels bring an eclectic mix of flavours to the table — Asian, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, this is fusion at its finest.

Ard Bia Cookbook now available

Thu, Aug 23, 2012

I had heard a while back there was an Ard Bia cookbook in the pipeline. I had even debated it with a restaurateur friend of mine. “It’s too expensive, I think it’s mad. You can get cookbooks from big names for half that price,” I said. “You can get a lot of rubbish cookbooks for half that price,” he replied. “If it’s a lovely book as well as a good cookbook, it’s well worth the extra money.” Now, here are the most painful words I may ever have to write —Aran McMahon, you were right and I was wrong. It is not too expensive, it is worth every penny and more.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.